Monterosso Surprises in Dubai City of Gold

Monterosso easily held off stablemate Calvados Blues to take the $250,000 Dubai City of Gold Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-IIT) at Meydan Racecourse March 3.

South American champion Interaction took the lead soon after the start under Christophe Lemaire and led the field of 10 at a leisurely gallop throughout the early stages of the 12-furlong contest. Mickael Barzalona was content to keep Monterosso placed in mid-pack, biding his time until they turned for home.

With just over two furlongs to go, the son of Dubawi took command, and drew off through the stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Calvados Blues. Mr. Brock held on for third, three-quarters of a length further back.

The final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:36.09 over a turf course listed as good.

Both the first and second-place finishers are owned by Godolphin and trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni. Favored Simon de Montfort, who has the same connections as the first two finishers, finished last after having been eased up by jockey Ahmed Ajtebi.

Monterosso was bred in England by Darley. He is a 4-year-old colt out of the stakes winning Barathea mare, Porto Roca.